Introduction
Following a complete redesign for the 2014 model year, the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 presents a long list of small but significant changes, including two new colors and slight rearrangement of the trim levels. This full-size pickup truck is available in 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive (2WD and 4WD), with regular, extended, and crew cab configurations. The regular cab can feature a 78-in. bed (standard) or a 98-in. bed (optional); the extended cab features the 78-in. bed exclusively; the crew cab is offered with a 78-in. or a 96-in. bed. Trim levels include the Work Truck (WT), LS, LT for all cab configurations; the crew and extended cabs additionally offer an LTZ trim level; and the crew cab also comes in a Z71 trim level for off-roading and a High Country trim level for greater luxury.
Exterior Features
The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes in seven standard colors; Deep Ocean Blue Metallic and Rain Forest Green Metallic are the new premium colors this year. The Silverado WT features 17-in. steel wheels; the LS has stainless steel finished wheels; the LT has alloy wheels. The LTZ upgrades to 18-in. alloy wheels. Optional on some editions are 20-in. and 22-in. wheels. The different trim levels also provide variations in grille treatment and other decorative features. The High Country version adds cargo box tie-downs and a spray-in bedliner, among other enhancements; the Z71 includes underbody shields, recovery hook, off-road shocks, and other heavy-duty-oriented feat
ures. All versions of the 2015 Silverado 1500 include a standard locking tailgate, 2-tier loading, and a box light, plus a standard CornerStep rear bumper design and handgrips integrated into the box-rail protectors.
Interior Features
The WT and LS trim levels feature vinyl seats; all other trim levels feature cloth or leather seating surfaces. The WT offers a 4-speaker radio, power locks, air conditioning, and cruise control; the LS adds power windows, keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity, tinted glass, and power heated mirrors. The LT includes carpeting, an upgraded audio system, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel; the LTZ has remote start, folding mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seating, power rear window, and other additional power features. The High Country version adds heat and ventilation to the seats and includes a Bose audio system.
Optional Features
Many of the standard features on the upper trim levels are available on the lower trims, as individual options or as part of a package. Notable equipment packages include LT Plus, Rally 1 Edition, WT/LT Convenience Package, Texas Edition, Custom Sport, All Star Edition, Rally 2 Edition, and several trailering packages.
Under the Hood
The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's standard drivetrain consists of a 4.3-liter V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, with 2WD or 4WD. The engine makes 285 horsepower and 305 lb.-ft. of torque. Optional on all trim levels but the LTZ (on which it's standard) is a 5.3-liter, 355-horsepower V-8 engine that makes 383 lb.-ft. of torque. The LTZ and High Country offer an optional 6.2-liter 420-horsepower V-8 that cranks up to 460 lb.-ft. of torque, and works with a new 8-speed automatic transmission. With proper equipment, these engines can tow 7,600, 11,500, and 12,000 lbs., respectively.
Fuel Economy
According to the EPA, fuel-economy estimates for the 2015 S
ilverado 1500 range anywhere from a low of 15 mpg city (6.2-liter V-8) to 24 mpg highway (4.3-liter V-6 and 2WD), depending on engine and drive type.
Safety
Standard safety features for the 2015 Chevy Silverado include a full complement of air bags, traction and stability control system with trailer sway control, hill-start assist, 4-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes, and OnStar telematics with a limited-time subscription to Automatic Crash Notification service. Many safety options are available.
In government crash tests, the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 received an overall rating of 5 (out of 5) stars, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Silverado received a "Good" rating--the Institute's highest--for moderate-overlap frontal-offset crash protection.
Technology
The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 includes Chevrolet MyLink technology, as well as several upgrades, including next-generation OnStar (with a larger exterior antenna), including Wi-Fi communications equipment and Mobile Internet Connectivity. Lights and mirrors also receive technological upgrades.
